2 20 Stray Feathers. \f^ 



Emu 

 April 



Cormorants previously mentioned {Emu, vol. ii., p, 32) on 

 14th and 15th September, and secured nine sets of eggs. The 

 birds had built about 100 nests, many containing one egg only, 

 some two eggs, and again others with three eggs, one nest alone 

 having four eggs. All were fresh. Many of the birds were flying 

 overhead, carrying branches of the mangrove bushes, of which 

 alone the nests were constructed. I secured a typical nest and 

 forwarded to the Museum. The birds seem to roost and rest 

 also upon the nests during construction, as all the structures 

 are very foul, and have the appearance of being white- 

 washed. On our leaving the rookery the birds quickly returned 

 to the nests and took their places upon them. A good many 

 flocks of Straw-necked Ibis were occasionally observed during 

 last winter and early spring — an unusual occurrence, owing 

 probably to the dry condition of the interior. The first Pallid 

 Cuckoo made its appearance on 28th August, being just two 

 days earlier than the previous season (1901). I have always 

 noticed that the first birds of this species arrive from exactly 

 the same quarter — viz., north-east — and fly south-west. On 

 arrrival they may be seen on the top of the tallest dead 

 tree, and after giving a few notes fly off to the next tall 

 tree, usually a distance of two to three hundred yards, 

 again piping a few notes and away again, but not deviating 

 from the south-westerly course. This advance bird or 

 birds seem to continue on their course, leaving the later 

 arrivals to locate themselves as they may desire. All our 

 northern visitants, as regards land birds, are much less in 

 evidence than usual. Orioles, Caterpillar-catchers, Kingfishers, 

 &c., all show diminution of numbers, whilst the Wood-Swallows 

 are conspicuous by their absence, only one pair of the White- 

 browed being seen and none of the Masked. In September, 

 1900, Thad occasion to remove a large tree in which a pair of 

 Pardalotes {P, striatus) had nested for several seasons. The 

 tree was situated near my house, and the birds were observed 

 hopping upon the picket fencing, apparently in search of a 

 fresh nesting site, soon after the tree had been destroyed. They 

 found a small opening at back of a chimney, and reared one brood. 

 This season they returned to the same place on 15th August, 

 and commenced to build a little later. They reared a brood of 

 four, which left the nest second week in November. They now 

 have a second brood nearly ready to fly (date, 3rd January). I 

 saw a single Spine-tailed Swift on 28th December, but have not 

 noticed any others so far. — GEORGE E. Shepherd. Somer- 



ville, 3/1/03. 



* * * 



Central Queensland Notes. — July to 20th August. — 

 At Cairdbeign, in the Springsure district, Sulphur-crested 

 Cockatoos fairly plentiful, and feeding a great deal on the seeds 



